Library seeks name change

For months the signhas read "Moffat County Libraries," but the paperwork hasn't.

And, it could be awhile before that is changed.

The Moffat County Board of Commissioners tabled a resolution July 20 that would change the name of the county's library system from the Craig-Moffat County Library to Moffat County Libraries.

Library officials say the move would unify the county's three libraries, but commissioners thought it might look like a slight to the city.

Craig resident and commissioner candidate Saed Tayyara opposed the name change, saying a majority of the library's patrons were Craig residents.

Library Director Donna Watkins said the change would make the Maybell and Dinosaur branches of the library feel more like part of the system.

"We felt this would add cohesiveness for all the branches," she said. "Moffat County Libraries is more accurate. It reflects our position in regard to all the communities."

The statements advocating the change in the resolution point to financial reasons.

"On Oct. 20, 1983, the Board of County Commissioners of Moffat County assumed all financial obligations attendant with the operation of the Craig-Moffat County Library effective Jan. 1, 1984 and ... Moffat County has funded the operations of the Craig-Moffat County Library without contribution from the city of Craig continuously since Jan. 1, 1984," the resolution states.

Craig City Council member Don Jones said that in his 10 years on the City Council, he never has seen a request from the library for funding.

"I'm a little disappointed they haven't asked the city first," he said. "We don't just go out and hand people money."

Mayor Dave DeRose and City Manager Jim Ferree said they have no opinion on the proposed name change.